Engine starting mechanism



Spt. 11, 1934. R. P. LANSING 1,973,289

ENGINE STARTING MECHANISM Filed June 30, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet l vvillll Sept. 11, 1934. I R. p LANSING 1,973,289

ENGrINEV STARTING MECHANI SM Filed June 5o, 1951 3 sheets-sheet 2 lNvENToR /Pzg//vm//d PLQ/why BY ATTORNEY Sept. 11, 1934.

R. P. LANSING 1973,289

ENGINE STARTING MECHANISM y Filed June zo. 19:51 s sheetsfsheet s J2 f4 .50 I

53 Figv 7 5/ Je 57 2 |I j/ l /15 50 /TW .n v ki? Hymn 5 I W 40\ v 60 L y i I INVENTOR Pay/)70nd P rams/bf.

Patented Sept. 11, 1934 ENGENE STARTING MECHANISM Raymond I. Lansing, Montclair, N. J., assigner to Eclipse Aviation Corporation, East Orange, N, J., a corporation of New Jersey vApplication June so, 1931, serial No. 542,004

16 Claims.

This invention relates to starting mechanisms and more particularly to starters for engines of the internal combustion type.

One of the objects of the invention is to pron 1 vide, in an engine starter, novel means for establishing driving relationship between the starter and a member of. the engine to .be started.

A further Objectis to provide a novel device of the foregcing character, embodying meansv for automatically energizing the starter driving means in response to a predetermined movement of the engine-engaging member of the starter.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel starter embodying engagement producing v means operative upon the engine-engaging membei` to cause the latterto movedirectly forward into engine-engaging position prior to imparting any rotary movement thereto. v

vA further object of` the invention is to provide .20 in a motor-driven starter of the type above described, novel means for delaying the establish#- vment of drivingrelationship between the motor and the 'engine-:engaging member until the envgine-engagingmember has completed its engineengaging movement. y

A' further object Vof the invention is to provide in a motor-drivenzstarter of the type above described, novel means for releasing the driving connection between the motor land engine-engaging member independently of any movement of the engine-engaging member away from engine-engaging position. y

A further object of the invention is to provide in a motor-driven starter ofthe type above de- .35 scribed, novel means for releasing the driving connection between the motor and engine-enga`ging member automatically in response to starting of the engine under its ownpower.

Another objectV of the invention is to provide apparatus of the foregoing character which emmotor and the engine, which one-way driving connection is-co'n'stitutedby novel driving mechanisrn eliminating the necessity of employing any of the usual overrunningV clutchconstructions.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatusofY the foregoing character, which is relativelyv simple in construction, readily accessible, and positive in its operation.

Other objects and advantages to be derived from the use of the invention disclosed herein will become evident on `an inspection of the following descriptionwhen read with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating three embodiments of the invention. It is to be expressly understood'hovvever, that said drawings are for the bodiesl a one-Way drivingV connection between the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims. Y

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional View of a de- `v vice embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing the parts in cranking position;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modification;

Fig. 4 is a similar View of the device shown in Fig. 3 but with the parts shown in cranking position;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of another modication;

Fig. 6 is a similar view of the modification shown in Fig. 5, but with the parts in cranking position;

and

Fig. 7 is a View of certain of the parts shown in Figs. 5 and 6, showing the action in the event of non-alignment of the teeth.

Y Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the invention is therein shown embodied in a device having a prime mover l, herein shown in the form of an electric motor whose armature shaft 2, extended as indicated at 3, constitutes the driving shaft of the starting mechanism. A casing or bracket 4 extends from the frame of the motor and at its outer end is provided with a bearing 5 to receive the outer end- 3 of the armature shaft. This casing also preferably constitutes the supporting means for a shifting lever 6 which is pivoted to the casing by suitable means as indicated at 7, and which extends into the casing in the form of a yoke with its lower ends 8 in a position to engage a pair of flanges 9 and 9a constituting parts of the shifting means hereinafter described.

YThe lever 6 is provided preferably with an an- Y nular projection 10, which, in its travel in a clockwisedirection, is adapted to contact and operate the button 11 of a switch of proper construction to supply the motor 1 with current and control the energization and de-energization thereof. The lever 6 is adapted to be manually operated by the operator through suitable linkage or operating connections which are of the usual character and therefore not necessary to be shown infrther detail. The term manual as used herein is intended to embrace operation by foot or pedal as Well as by hand, the term being employed in its broadest sense to indicate any action controlled arbitrarily rather than automatically. The no vel means for drivably connecting the armature shaft 2 with the engine, a rotatable member of which is indicated at 14, is herein at the threaded portion and which is preferably provided With laterally projecting teeth or jaws 17 adapted to register at the 'proper time and in the proper sequence with corresponding lateral projections 18 on a cooperating clutch `member or collar 19. The collar 19 is splined or otherwise secured to a drum or barrel member 20 for rotation in unison therewith. The member 20 is preferably in the form of Va hollow cylinder with an inwardlyturned edge or flange 21 at its forward end, the said flange 21 having splinesor other suitable means for connection with the engine-engaging member 22, the latter being here shown in the form of a pinion adapted to register with the teeth 23 formed on the rotatable engine member 14. This engine member is preferably of a considerably larger diameter than the diameter of the pinion 22, and in practice will be fixed toa flywheel or similar member drivably connected to the engine crankshaft. r

. The novel means for normally maintaining the ,members 16 and 19 in the positions indicated in Fig. 1 further include a second nut 27 threadedly. secured to the shaft 2 by threads of much smaller size than threads 15, and of a pitch such as to preclude possibility of longitudinal movement of the nut 27`alongthe shaft 2. Interposed between the nut 27 and' the flange 21 ,of the barrel 20 isa washer 28 rigid with pinion`22 and serving as a seat for a compression spring 29, vthe opposite end of which bears against the sur.- Vface of the kmember 19, the latter being held against rearward movement by engagement with the shoulder 31 on the shaft 2.' Y,

j The means for shifting pinion 22 into engagement with the engine member 14 comprises, in addition to vthe lever 6 and flanges 9.and 9a with which the lever registers,a'cylindricalmember or sleeve 32 on which the flanges 9` andv Qa'a're formed, the said sleeve surrounding the barrel 20 and terminating in inwardly turnediingers 33 'against which'clutch member 19 is Vconstantly urged by the stress in the compression spring 29, 'the said fingers 33 being disposed 'withinlongitudina'l slots or splines 34 formed in the barrel 20, such construction permitting axial movement of Ythe clutch member 19 relatively to the barrel 20, `while at the same time'insuring unitary rotary movement of all three parts. lIn 'order to' prevent relative longitudinalmovement of the sleeve 32 and barrel 20, the barrel 20 'is provided with lapertures `35 adapted ,to receive'proiectionsf formed -at corresponding v radial positions onv a `retainingring,'37 tting the inner cylindrical surface of thefbarrelZQ..

In operation, Vthre'turning ofthe lever 6 about -its support7 r'st prioducesia longitudinal thrust onthe sleeve 32, Vwhich thrust Vis transferred to the pinion 22'thr`ough the lingers 33, clutch member 1,9, spring 29, and annular member 28, This axial thrust causes the pinion 22 tomove Vfor"- ward Linto meshing engagement with the engine Y'member 14. As `soonfas engagement is'effected,

the continued clockwise motion of the lever *6 presses projection 10 against button 11 With su- The engine is, by the means justV described,l

turned over suiiiciently to cause starting thereof under its own power, on the occurrence of which the resulting sudden acceleration of the pinion 22, barrel 20 and clutch members 19 and 16, all of which remainV drivably connected, causes a reverse screw action between the members 16 and shaft 2, thereby moving the member 16 from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the normal position indicated in Fig. 1. Such movement separates the driving surfaces 17 and 18 and thereby prevents reverse drive of the motor shaft 2 from the engine member 14. Accordingly, excessive speed cannot be developed in the motor even though the operator isk dilatory in returning .the lever 6 to the normal position. On such return, the switch 11 of course resumes its normal position, 4thereby de-energizing the. motor, and the pinion is released from engagement with the engine member 14. e

In the event that the teeth of pinion 22 strike those of the engine member 14 during the forward meshing movement of the former, theresulting compression of spring 29 against 'its seat on annular member 28, will permit completion of the shifting movement of lever 6 and consequently will permit closure of the circuit to the motor. The resultant rotation of the shaft 2 will first engage jaws A16 and 19 and will then cause suflicient rotary'movement of the pinion to bring its teeth into registry with' the spaces between the teeth' of if member 14, whereupon thepreviously compressed spring 29 will become eifective'to snap the pinion into full meshing engagement with the flywheel member land thus Vestablishjcranking relation therebetween.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and '4, the operation is substantially the same but the ,structure is somewhat diiferentin that the motor shaft ,2' .is provided with a threadlVofV opposite pitch so that the nut 16', which corresponds in function and method of operation tothe clutch member 16 of Fig. 1, moves iny an opposite direcytion.A In this modification the nut 27 Vacts as a stop for the clutch member 16, the member 35 limiting its. rearward` movement. This embodiment also utilizes the ,principle of Aautomatic release of driving relation between the motor and the engine, limmediately upon the starting Qf .the latter under its own power, and even though'the engine-engaging member is still in meshiwithv cated in Vstage ofmovement of the-lever 'to the vrearward position at theinitiation oi thenext starting operation, thereby interfering with coinplete oscillatory movement .of the' shifting and switch closing lever,a suitable friction device, such as a spring pressed plunger, may be mounted on said clutch member to normally press yield- Yably upon the surface of the shaitand thereby prevent any such rearwardmovement during the -running -oi the engine. A novel method of vovercoming this tendency, ii itshould occu, illustrated in the embodiment shownY in `Figs. to flinclusive', wherein movement oi 'the shifting vand switch closing lever Bois transmitted tothe barrel member i'through a'lcoilcdfs'pring'Z interposed between the flange 53 on-the' barrel 51 andthel collarY 541il surrounding thebarrel 51 and inf this embodiment, movableV along said barrel 'independently-oi vthe associated'ilange 53." With this construction it is vapparent that-under norn'ial vconditions Vactuation 'ofi the shift lever 50 will nrst move the'pini'on' 57 from the position indicatedin Fig.-5 tothe meshing yposition' indi- Fig. G'through action oicollarfi, spring 52, barrelil, clutch Ymember 58, and spring 62. vfllhereuponthe closure of the switch 59 and the resultant rotation of the motor shaft 6G will cause clutch member 61 to move 'into operative engagement withl the clutchmember 58,. the latter having been moved to the position indicated in Fig. 6 from the position indicated in Fig. 5 by the first From the oregoingit 'is apparent that under normal conditions the operation is substantially the same as that in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In the event, however, that the clutch member Slfhappens to be already ina rearward position prior to initiation of' the actuation of'shiit leverl 50, thereby interfering with the completeV movement of the clutch'member 58, such interference will not prevent the completionA of the fsw-'itch operating movement oi the lever 50, since the collar' 54' is still free to move ieftvto' the position indicatedin Fig. vr1, compressing springs 52 'and causing a closure of the switch 59. 'The'v resulting rotation oi lthe parts and 6l will bring the yjawsv or the latter into registry with tnos'e of the clutch member 58, whereupon the spring 52 will be eiective to the member 5S into iull meshing engagement with the complemental clutch member 61. The engine will then be started by transmission of torque to member 23 by way of spring 62 and pinion 5'?, as in the form shown in Figs. l and 2.

Although only three embodiments of the invention areshown in the drawings, it is to be expected that those skilled inthe art may modify Ythe structure and arrangement of the coi-- ponent parts and, thci'eiore, the claims are not to be construed as applicable only to the embodiments herein shown. Thus, ior example, the claims are intended to include as a substitute orthe direct driving means herein shown, any suitable driving connection interposed between the prime mover and the engine-ez-igaging member. Moreover, ii desired, the invention be embodied in a starter of the inertia `type or of ibers, one of which is mounted' for rotary vthe manually operable type, either with or without an inertia member.

It is to be understood that various other changes may be made in the construction, ar-

rangement and inter-relation of the parts constituting the invention without departing from the spirit thereof, the extent of the permissible variations being ascertainable by reference to the appended claims.

`What is claimed is:

l. In an engine startin mechanism of the type a motor-r riven engine-engaging member n'iovable into engagement. withe member oi the ne `to be started, 'the combination with c .J ser and .engine-engaging member ci. an velect" motor disposed in alignment with .said e e-engaging inembena driving ce, iection l: veen said motor and engineco pricing a pair oi toothed movement w said motor longitudinal movement into driving relation to said other toothed member, means for causing a reverse toothed ober when the engine starts under its own power, notwithstanding.continued engagement `etwecn said engine-engaging member said engine and means for withdrawing said ng member fromA engine engaging position, said means being eiective following deenergizaticn of said motor.

2. In an engine startingl mechanism of the type employing a driving shaft rotatably supporting an engine-engaging member, the combination with said driving shaft and engine-engaging vmember of a pair of normally disengaged clutch members between said shaft and engine-engaging member, means operable automatically in response to rotation of said driving shaft for engaging said clutch members to rotate said engine-engaging member, manually operable means or .controlling engagement and disengagement of said engine-ong ging member, and resilient means interposed between said driving connection and said engine-engaging member to insure coinpletion of the engine-engaging movement irrespective of the resistance encountered during such movement.

3.. In an engine starting mechanism, a driven member engageable with the engine to be started and rotatable said engine after starting thereof, power means, a driving shaft actuated by'said power means, a driving connection between said shaft and driven member comprising a toothed member threaded on said shaft for rotary movement therewith and limited longitudinal movement thereon, said member being movable toward said driven member to establish a driving connection between said shaft and driven member, and means for moving said driven member to a non-rotating position following de-energization of said power means.

4. In an engine starting mechanism, a driven member engageable `with the engine to be started and rotatable with said engine after starting power means, a driving shaft actuated by said power means, a driving connection bctwcen said shaft nd driven member comprising a toothed inembeitln'eaded on said shaft for rotary movement therewith and limited longitudinal movement thereon, said member being movable away from said driven member on rotation of said d riving shaft, a second toothed inember surrounding said driving shaft and engageable by said irst-named toothed member, and

means drivably connecting said second-named toothed member with said driven member to establish a driving connection between said shaft and driven member, when said toothed members engage.

5. In an engine starting mechanism, a pinion engageable with the engine to be started and rotatable with said engine after starting thereof, power means, a driving shaft actuated by said power means, a one-way driving connection betwcenfsaid shaft and pinion comprising a toothed member threaded on said shaft for rotary movement therewith and limited longitudinal movement thereon, said member being movable away from said pinion on rotation of said driving shaft, a second toothed member surrounding said driving shaft and engageable by said first-named toothed member, and means interlocked with bothsaid second-named toothed member and said driven member to establish a driving connection between said shaft and pinion.

6. In an engine starting mechanism of the type employing a driving shaft rotatably supporting an engine-engaging member, the combination with said driving shaft and engine-engaging member of a pair of normally disengaged clutch members between said shaft and engineengaging member, means operable automatically in response to rotation of said driving shaft for engaging said clutch members to rotate said engine-engaging member, manually operable means for controlling engagement and disengagement of said engine-engaging member, and

resilient means interposed between said driving connection and said engine-engaging member to insure completion of the engine-engaging movelment irrespective of resistance encountered due to premature engagement of said clutch members.

7. In an engine starting mechanism of the type employing a driving shaft rotatably supporting an engine-engaging member, the combination with said driving shaft and engine-engaging member of a pair of normally disengaged clutch members between said shaft and engine-engaging member comprising a member threaded to said shaft for rotary movement therewith and longitudinal movement thereon, means operable automatically in response to rotation of said driving shaft for engaging said clutch members to rotate said engine-engaging member, means for rendering said meshing connection ineffective when the engine becomes self-operating, even though said engine-engaging member remains connected to said engine, and manually operable means for controlling engagement and disengagement of said engine-engaging member.

8. In an engine starting mechanism of the type employing a driving shaft rotatably supporting `.an engine-engaging member, the combination with said driving shaft and engine-engaging member'of a pair of normally disengaged clutch members between said shaft and engine-engaging member, comprising a clutch jaw threaded te said shaft for rotary movement therewith and longitudinal movement thereon, means operable auto- Amatically in response to rotation of said driving shaft for engaging said clutch members to rotate said engine-engaging member, means for rendering said driving connection ineffective when the engine becomes self-operating, even though said engine-engaging member remains connected to said engine, and common control means for rproducing axial movement of said engine-engaging member and rotary movement of said driving shaft.

engaging said clutch members tov rotate said en- 9. In an engine starting mechanism, the combination with a driving shaft and engine-engaging member of a pair of normally disengaged clutch members between said shaft and engineengaging member, means operable automatically in response to rotation of said driving shaft for engaging said clutch members to rotate said engine-'engaging member, and resilient means interposed between said clutch members and said engine-engaging member to insure completion of the engine-engaging movement irrespective ofthe resistance encountered'during such movement, said resilient means including a pair of springs one cf which is operative in response to obstruction between the engine-engaging member and the member of the engine engaged thereby, and the other of which is operative in responsexto premature engagement of said clutch members.V

10. In an engine starting mechanism, the combination with adriving shaft and engine-engaging member of ya pair of normally disengaged clutch members between said shaft and engineengaging member, means operable automatically in response to rotation of said driving shaft for gine-engaging member, manually operable means for controlling engagement and disengagement of said engine-engaging member, and resilient means interposed between said driving connection and said engine-engaging member to insure completion of the engine-engaging movement lirrespective of resistance encountered due tofpremature engagement ofvsaid clutch members, said resilient means being yieldable to permit relative movement between said manually operable means and the one of said clutch members which normally moves therewith. 11. In an engine starter, in combination, a motor, an engine-engaging pinion having a barrel connected thereto, a screw member driven by said motor, said screw member having an un- .threaded portion on which said pinion is mounted, a normally disengaged clutch mechanism one element of which is movable with said barrel to drivably connect said motor and pinion, and the other element of which is threadedV on said screw member for axial motion into mesh with said first named clutch element when the motor rotates said screw member, a lever for closing the circuit to said motor and at the same time shifting said clutch member toward the engaged position, and a lost-motion connection between said lever and barrel, said lost-motion connection including a lever operated collar slidable axially of said barrel and a compressible spring operative to trans- 13u mit thrust from said collarto said barrel.

l2. In an engine starter, in combination, a motor, an engine-engaging pinon having a barrel connected thereto, a normally disengaged clutch mechanism, one element of which is movable with 3,35 said barrel to drivablyrconnect said motor and pinion, and the other element of which is movable axially into mesh with said first named clutch element when sad motor is energized,Y a lever for energizing to said motor and at the same time 14@ shifting said clutch member toward the engaged position, and a lost-motion connection between said lever and barrel, said lost-motion connection including a lever operated collar slidable axially of sa'd barrel and a compressible spring 45 operative'to transmit thrust from said collar to said barrel.

13. In an engine starter, in combination, a motor, an engine-engaging pinion, a barrel having a slotted portion connected to. said pinion, a nori5@ mally disengaged clutch mechanism, one element of which is movable with said barrel to drivably connect said motor and pinion, and the other element of which is movable axially into mesh with said rst named clutch element when said motor is energized, a lever for energizing said motor and at the same time shifting said clutch member toward the engaged position, and a lostmotion connection between said lever and barrel, said lost-motion connection including a lever operated collar slidable along the slotted portion of said barrel, and a compressible spring operative to transmit thrust from said collar io said barrel.

14. In an engine starter, in combination, a motor, an engine-engaging pinion having a barrel connected thereto, a normally disengaged clutch mechanism, one element of which is movable with said barrel to drivably connect said motor and pinion, and the other element ci which is movable axially into mesh with said rst named clutch element when said motor is energized, a lever for energizing said motor and at the same time shifting said clutch member toward the engaged position, a lost-motion connection between said lever and barrel including a lever operated collar slidable axially of said barrel, a compressible spring operative to transmit thrust from said collar to said barrel, and a second spring interposed between said clutch and said pinion to insure completion of the meshing movement of said pinion irrespective of a temporary condition of non-registry between the meshing surfaces of the pinion and the engine member engaged thereby.

15. In an engine starter, in combination, a motor, an engine-engaging pinion, a barrel having a slotted portion connected to said pinion, a normally disengaged clutch mechanism, one element of which is movable with said barrel to drivably connect said motor and pinion, and the other element of which is movable axially into mesh with said first named clutch' element when said motor is energized, a lever for energizing said motor and at the same time shifting said clutch member toward the engaged position, a lostmotion connection between said lever and barrel, said lost-motion connection including a lever operated collar slidable along the slotted portion of Said barrel, a compressible spring operative to transmit thrust from said collar to said barrel, and a second spring interposed between said clutch and said pinion to insure completion of the meshing movement of said pinion.

16. In an engine starting mechanism, a driven member engageable with the engine to be started and rotatable with said engine after starting thereof, power means, a driving shaft actuated by said power means, a driving connection between said shaft and driven member comprising a toothed member threaded on said shaft for rotary movement therewith and limited longitudinal movement thereon, said member being movable away from said driven member to establish a driving connection between said shaft and driven member. manually operable means for energizing said power means, a second toothed member normally movable with said manually operable means, and resilient means yieldable to permit energization of said power means even though movement of said second named toothed member with said manually operable means is tem- 

